"Don't be afraid to have dreams," a wise man once said.
But, unlike Chris Coleman's heroes of 2016, dreams have proven to be so far from reality for this Welsh side out in Qatar.
A second-half fightback to draw with the USA offered a hope that swiftly evaporated following a gut-wrenching 2-0 loss to Iran only four days later. It meant only the seemingly impossible would be enough for Rob Page's men to extend their World Cup dream. The old enemy, England, had the Red Dragons firmly in their crosshairs.
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Connor Roberts and Harry Wilson made way for Joe Allen and Daniel James as Danny Ward deputised for the suspended Wayne Hennessey, although England's alterations from their 0-0 draw with the USA typified the strength of the neighbours.
In came Phil Foden, Jordan Henderson, Kyle Walker and Marcus Rashford for Kieran Trippier, Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling as Gareth Southgate fully demonstrated the embarrassment of riches he has at his disposal.
The piercing sound of the lyric 'how am I gonna be an optimist about this?' from Bastille's Pompeii proved inescapable for the Red Wall, although their mood was lightened as goalkeeper coach Tony Roberts continuously booted balls into the stands for Wales supporters to head back on to the pitch prior to the warm-ups, with each successful attempt drawing loud cheers.
Such were the low expectations of toppling a side Wales had not beaten since 1984, most merely wanted an encouraging performance. Anything on top was always going to be a bonus.
The beaming smile of David Brooks, proudly wearing his yellow Euro 2020 jersey and a bucket hat, instantly raised the spirits of those on the pitch who spotted the 25-year-old's frantic waving. His cruel adversity had been overcome. There could be no greater inspiration.
But that old killer fully kicked in. Hope. Each and every chant from the Red Wall's burgeoning repertoire was belted out as England's fans - who vastly outnumbered the Welsh - gave it back with some gusto.
Despite England's domination of the ball from the outset, it was the Welsh supporters who made themselves heard. Sing a song for Speedo, Men of Harlech, and, of course, sheep references. They were almost silenced in the 10th minute with the game's first attack as Harry Kane played Marcus Rashford through on goal, although Ward did brilliantly to deny the Manchester United striker.
The Barmy Army burst into life, and the sheer numbers of those supporting the Three Lions became evident as the stadium bowl vibrated in tune with their chants. Wales were spectators as England dictated play, but hanging in early on was always the aim. Harry Maguire's angry protests at not being awarded a corner gave those Welsh fans behind the goal immense pleasure. Small victories, and all that.
With Wales in a back four, England found joy out wide. The defensive effort impressed though, and Neco Williams courageously took a driven strike from Rashford to the head as Wales stood firm, but then, concern hit.
Williams fell to the deck. Following a lengthy check, he was replaced by Connor Roberts due to a suspected concussion - a scenario well explained by the stadium's staff over the PA system. Wales' first attack came in the 39th minute, although Allen's shot was well blocked, and England showed their quality on the resulting counter attack, but Rashford's spectacular overhead kick went well wide.
It was a sign of the risks that Wales needed to take. Then the gasps came. Following a smart throw-in routine from Connor Roberts, Chris Mepham dinked to Allen - who had been poor in possession - and the Swansea City man took the ball under his control before rifling over. It fully typified the game plan, and boss Page will have been thrilled to remain on level terms. Ward earned praise from Adam Davies and Jonny Williams as he left the pitch, and Wales had kept themselves in the hunt.
Chesney Hawkes entertained the punters at half-time, and it was Wales' One and Only who was withdrawn ahead of the second-half as Brennan Johnson replaced Gareth Bale who had made just one successful pass in the first-half.
In the blink of an eye, it all collapsed. Joe Rodon brought down Foden, and Rashford unleashed a piledriver beyond Ward. The English relief was palpable while the Welsh agony cut deep. Wales caved, and England were two goals to the good as Kane drilled across the box for the unmarked Foden to tap home.
'You're going home in the morning' and 'are you Scotland in disguise?' chanted the gleeful English fans as Southgate further flaunted the weapons in his arsenal by sending on Callum Wilson, Kalvin Phillips and Trent Alexander-Arnold while Joe Morrell replaced Ben Davies shortly after a teasing James cross and a deflected Moore effort represented a rare bit of encouragement for Wales.
But their fate had been sealed. There was to be no more dreaming in Qatar as Wales fully absorbed the harsh lessons they had been taught on their return to the big time.
Rashford added insult to injury as he drilled through the legs of Ward, with England firmly in the mood to fill their boots against a ragged Wales.
At long last, the referee's whistle was mercifully blown. It had been a sobering and underwhelming tournament, but one that must now fuel the future, with a changing of the guard needed ahead of next year's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Wales: Ward; N Williams (Roberts 36), Mepham, Rodon, B Davies (Morrell 59); Allen (Colwill 81), Ampadu; Bale (C) (Johnson 46), Ramsey, James (Wilson 77); Moore.
Subs not used: A Davies, Gunter, Lockyer, J Williams, Harris, Thomas, Levitt, Cabango, Smith.
Yellow cards: James 29, Ramsey 61
England: Pickford; Walker (Alexander-Arnold 57), Stones, Maguire, Shaw (Trippier 65); Henderson, Rice (Phillips 57), Bellingham; Foden, Kane (C) (Wilson 57), Rashford (Grealish 75).
Subs not used: Pope, Ramsdale, Sterling, Dier, Coady, Saka, Mount, Maddison, Gallagher.
Goals: Rashford 50 & 68, Foden 52
Referee: Slavko Vincic
Attendance: 44,297
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